The Georgia Department of Labor reported today that the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined slightly to 9.9 percent in July, down one-tenth of a percentage point from a revised 10.0 percent in June. This is the 34th consecutive month Georgia has exceeded the national unemployment rate, which is currently 9.5 percent.

The Hinesville Career Center with the Department of Labor recently received the 2009 Veterans Group Award. The International Association of Workplace Professionals presents the annual award to entities that provide outstanding career counseling services to veterans.

Clarke's Homestyle BBQ Jamaican and American Cuisine opened its new location Aug. 3 at 1008 W. Oglethorpe Highway in Hinesville. The restaurant, along with the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, had a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new eatery, which is next door to Harris Ace Hardware, offers a full menu, drinks and meeting spaces.

ATLANTA - Gov. Sonny Perdue announced this week that both jobs and corporate investment increased in Georgia during the state's fiscal year 2010 as a result of the marketing activities of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Companies invested $3.75 billion in communities around the state, a 46.7 percent increase from 2009, and created 19,462 jobs, an increase of 14.7 percent.

KC Brothers Construction owners James Rim and Wu Ni want to help build a bridge between Coastal Georgia and China. The Asian American builders are the only private citizens among the city of Hinesville's eight official delegates traveling to the Jiangxi province of south central China next month.

James M. Floyd Jr., president and CEO of Liberty Shares, Inc. and The Heritage Bank, announced recently that Philip F. Resch has accepted the positions of chief financial officer for both companies. He took over the posts in July.

SAVANNAH - Given today's tough economy, more people are considering the benefits and rewards of small business ownership. While creating a solid business plan is a great start, would-be business owners often lack financial backing and the knowledge to identify and secure financing from other sources. To that end, Savannah Technical College is hosting a free "Open for Business" technical workshop at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18.

SAVANNAH - Sea Island Company has filed for federal bankruptcy protection with a plan to sell its luxury resorts that have been secluded getaways on the Georgia coast for wealthy travelers and American presidents since 1928.

The family-owned company filed a Chapter 11 plan in federal court Tuesday, saying it's unable to repay more than $600 million owed to to lenders including Synovus Bank, Bank of America and Bank of Scotland after the economic meltdown took a toll on Sea Island's resort and real-estate businesses.

Since the return of Goody's to Hinesville and its July 22 grand opening, the family clothing and accessories store continues to experience steady traffic. "It's been very heavy," assistant manager Lee Deen said. "We've had a little bit everywhere."